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- BoatSafe Accredited: RMDL Training and Assessment
Boat Licence Redland Bay
What You’re Getting
Your Recreational Marine Driver's Licence (RMDL)
Queensland law requires anyone operating a recreational motor vessel with an engine of more than 4.5 kilowatts (6 horsepower) to hold a Recreational Marine Driver’s Licence. That means any decent tinnie, runabout, ski boat, or cabin cruiser needs a licenced operator at the helm.
Boat Pilot provides training and assessment in order for applicants to obtain their
Recreational Marine Drivers License (RMDL), commonly known as a boat license. After
completing the prerequisite online training, you come to us for practical training, practical assessment, and theory assessment, all in one day.
How your boat licence session runs
Before you attend: complete your online theory training
Your online BoatSafe theory training must be completed before your practical day. It takes a couple of hours and can be done from home at your own pace. Complete your online theory here.
Arrive at the ramp, pre-departure briefing
We meet at Moores Road boat ramp, Redland Bay. Everyone gathers for a pre-departure briefing covering what we'll cover on the water, safety procedures, pre-launch boat preparation, and what to expect during training and assessment.
Practical training on the water
We go out on the boat together. The instructor demonstrates each required manoeuvre, then each student practises until they're confident. You get real time at the helm, not a passenger seat. MSQ-required manoeuvres include: safely approaching a floating object, person overboard drill, approaching a mooring buoy, port and starboard turns, figure of eight manoeuvres, approaching and departing a pontoon, emergency stop, general navigation and control of the boat, operating at 6 knots, and anchoring.
Practical assessment
Once you're confident (and we won't start the assessment until you are), the instructor formally assesses each required manoeuvre. One assessment attempt per manoeuvre. If you need more practice first, we give it to you.
Theory assessment (written)
After your practical session, you sit a written multiple-choice theory assessment conducted at the nearby Pelican Cafe. This covers the material from your online training: trip planning, navigation, weather and tides, and emergencies.
Statement of Competency issued
Once you pass both theory and practical assessments, you receive your Statement of Competency - valid for six months. Take it to any Transport and Main Roads office to have your RMDL issued on your Queensland driver's licence (or issued as a standalone licence if you don't drive).
Why Boat Pilot
What makes our boat licence sessions different
We take single students. Most providers require two or more people per booking. We’ll run a session for just you.
No rushing. If you need more practice before your assessment, we keep going. Your confidence matters as much as your competence.
Full compliance with MSQ standards. Every minute on the water, every manoeuvre, every tick box – done properly, every time.
Modern, easy-to-drive vessels. Purpose-bought for training – genuinely more beginner-friendly than most private boats.
Calm water. Redland Bay is one of South East Queensland’s most sheltered training environments: calm, protected conditions for learning.
Free first re-sit. If you don’t pass, your first re-sit is free – subject to availability.
Boat Licence FAQ
Do I need to do anything before coming to my session?
How long will the day take?
What do I need to bring?
What if I've never driven a boat before?
Can I get my jet ski licence on the same day?
Yes. The combined boat and jet ski session is our most popular option. It saves time and is the better-value choice: one day, lower total cost than booking separately. See our Combined Licence page for details.
Pricing and Process
Online training course (Step 1)
$50
Practical training and assessment
$250
Total
$300
Weekday Special! $270
A government fee is payable separately to Transport and Main Roads when you apply for your licence.
Free first re-sit
If you don’t pass your practical assessment on the first session, your re-sit is on us.
What to complete before your session
Also thinking about a jet ski?
Getting both licences on the same day saves you time and money. See the combined licence option.
After you pass
Ready to get your licence?
Book your session online and we’ll send you everything you need to prepare, including the link to your online theory training.